Benefit event planned for Waukon area native currently recovering from brain aneurysm

What began as a joyful family reunion took a sudden and devastating turn for Dawn Blocker-Feaker, formerly of Waukon and now residing in LaPorte City. September 1, 2024, just one day after enjoying time with loved ones at the Burrett family reunion, Dawn’s life was drastically altered by a ruptured subarachnoid brain aneurysm.

Rushed to MercyOne Waterloo emergency room, Dawn was diagnosed with a right-side brain bleed and aneurysm (intraparenchymal hemorrhage from a ruptured MCA aneurysm). The situation’s severity necessitated an immediate transfer via helicopter to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

There, Dawn underwent a series of complex procedures, including a removal of a portion of the skull to prevent more brain damage from the swelling of the brain (decompressive hemicraniectomy), right MCA aneurysm clipping, and right external ventricular drainage to reduce pressure in the brain.

Her journey has been fraught with challenges. Dawn bravely battled complications of acute respiratory failure, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) meningitis from the drain that was then removed, hypertension, and tachycardia during her acute hospital stay.

Following this, she dedicated months to intensive rehabilitation, starting with MercyOne Waterloo for acute inpatient rehabilitation, then transferring to On With Life in Ankeny. She is currently at LaPorte City Specialty Care, displaying incredible strength and resilience.

Dawn recently returned to the University of Iowa and underwent surgery to have her skull cap placed, helping regain a lot of her cognitive skills. Though wheelchair-bound and working to regain mobility on her left side, Dawn’s positive attitude and fighting spirit have been truly inspiring.

Despite the immense obstacles she has faced, her passion for painting and golfing continue to be sources of hope and motivation for her, and she cherishes every moment she gets to spend with family and friends who visit, as she strives towards her ultimate goal of returning home. However, the road to recovery is long, and the costs associated with her ongoing care in a nursing home are significant.

The Waukon community Dawn previously called home for many years is being asked for support to help alleviate this financial burden and allow Dawn to focus on what matters most for her right now: her health and well-being. Family and community members are rallying around her with a benefit event to support Dawn’s long road to recovery and help offset the significant medical expenses incurred throughout her medical emergency and ongoing recovery.

The benefit event is scheduled to be held at the Waukon Event Center Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a free-will donation meal, a raffle auction and a bake sale, with a live auction starting at 2 p.m. An account has also been created at Freedom Bank in Waukon for donations.

Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference in helping Dawn regain her independence and continue her journey towards healing. Those who want to donate or who want to assist with the benefit are asked to get in touch with Penny Burrett Wheeler at 563-794-2061.

Donations may also be dropped off Friday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Waukon Event Center. Penny will be there during that time to assist with the donation drop-off. Additional information will also be made available in future advertising of the event in The Standard and The Northeast Iowa Extra publications.